Edinburgh Airport welcomes fresh calls to abolish Air Passenger Duty

Edinburgh Airport has welcomed the findings of a new study on Air Passenger Duty, which highlights the economic boost the UK could receive if it is abolished.

The study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), The economic impact of Air Passenger Duty, used a model to simulate how changes in one area of the economy (such as tax policy) affects all the rest. When applying this approach to APD, researchers found that, by abolishing APD, UK GDP could receive a boost of 0.46 per cent in the first year, with continuing benefits to 2020.

The study also found that this boost to the UK economy would amount to at least £16 billion in the first three years and result in almost 60,000 extra jobs in the UK over the longer term.

Commenting on the study, Edinburgh Airport Chief Executive, Gordon Dewar, said: "This study makes a compelling case for the abolition of Air Passenger Duty. As Scotland's busiest airport we welcome these findings and urge the government to consider this study carefully.

"With well-established links between London and numerous worldwide destinations, Edinburgh Airport is keen to enhance the services it provides to passengers. We agree that, by abolishing Air Passenger Duty, Scottish tourism will increase and there will be a rise in business productivity. Both of these factors will help boost airline investment which will ultimately improve international business connections and employment opportunities."